Fruit and nut feeding mechanism



March 3, 1936. w, V'Q T 2,032,962

" FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM I Filed Nov. 22, 1934 e Sheets-Shea": 1

1 65 :5 INVENTOR fi. Clare/we ling f 1?? I i jj d9,,,..,vLM wwym 61 ATTORNEYS Match 3, 1936. c w VQGT 2,032,962. FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM Filed Nov. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 16 ATTORNEYS March 3, 1936. I c w VOGT v2,032,9(W

FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM Fil ed Nov. 22. 1954 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Ir 5 L1 68 2a z! a! @5 y 2? Z6 20 11 f6 7. 70 66 l 5 a INVENTOR g5 glare/we I]? [/byf B a5 wq4Aldvafiyz-l ATTORNEYS 70 68 March 3, 1936. c. w. VOGT 2,032,962

- FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM Filed NOV. 22, 1934 6 SheetsShe et 4 March 3, 1936. w. VOGT I 2,032,962

FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM Filed NOV. 22, 1934 6 Sheets-sheaf. 5

l 1/ ig'wa i .4 M I &7 x03 80 a? 1041 m! 16 J5 INVENTOR v00 i77i w March 3, 1936. c. w; VOGT FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM 6 Shecs-Sheet 6 Filed NOV. 22, 1934 R wm a w W i mm Wm e A w M mm 3 a IIIl/IIIIII Patented Mar. 3, 1936 1 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE FRUIT AND NUT FEEDING MECHANISM Application November 22, 1934, Serial No. 754,241

19 Claims.

The present invention relates to a method of and apparatus for introducing pieces of normally solid edibles such as fruits and nuts or particles or pieces thereof into a flowing stream of plastic comestible material such as semi-frozen ice cream, water ice, or sherbet. These solid edibles are readily crushable and may be somewhat sticky due to the oils and/or juices contained therein, and when subjected to substantial compression may be crushed and compacted or matted together. This compression of the solids may result either from the stirring or agitating action to which they are subjected, in order to maintain the flow of such solids from a hopper or similar receptacle, and from the mechanical handling that they receive as an incident of transfer of the materials from said hopper to a mixing chamber where they are injected preferably forcibly into the continuous stream of plastic material which is usually flowing under pressure in a confined path.

An object of the present invention therefore is to provide a new and improved method and means for introducing pieces of solids, such as per, with a minimum amount of crushing, bruis-.

ing or sub-division of the solids.

A further object is to provide a mechanism which will effectively stir a mass of solid pieces in a hopper to maintain a flow of said pieces therefrom, and which will not obstruct the mouth of the hopper or occupy any substantial space in the interior thereof.

As a feature of the invention, the mechanism for transferring the solids from the hopper to the mixing chamber has one or more pockets movable into position to receive the solids by gravity directly from the outlet of the hopper.

Each pocket is cyclically moved substantially into and out of communication with the confined path of travel of the plastic stream and its contents are progressively forcibly injected into the flowing stream, the solids being distributed lengthwise of the stream. Uniform distribution of the solids in the stream may be effected by stationary baffle means and/or by sharp deflections in the course of the flowing mixture of the solid and plastic material.

In the specific embodiment of the invention,

the transfer device is rotary, carrying one or moreplungers slidable in respective bores and defining therewith in retracted positions the pockets into which the solids flow by gravity from the hopper. The filled pockets are shifted out of com- 5 munication with the hopper and into communication with the mixing chamber where the plungers are moved in their respective bores to forcibly eject the solids from their respective pockets. Means is provided for sealing the mouth of the pockets as they are passing from charging to discharging position and from discharging to charging position.

As another feature of the present invention, positively acting cam means are provided for actuating the plungers.

As another feature of the present invention, the means for preventing the arching over or jamming of the solids across the discharge end of the hopper, includes one or more lifting fingers arranged near the hopper outlet. The operation of these fingers is effected by means which does not block the mouth of the hopper, and which is advantageously not supported. therefrom, so that no special type of hopper is' required. The operating rods for these fingers lie close to the inclined wall of the hopper and substantially par allel thereto so that they do not take up much space in the interior of the hopper, and the fingers act to stir up the mass only near the discharge end of the hopper where the arching over or jamming of the solids is most liable to take place, so that the remainder of the solids in the hopper are not substantially disturbed or agitated.

As still another feature of the present invention, the transmission between the drive and the transfer mechanism includes a spring clutch which is automatically disengaged in the event that solid particles jam the mechanism. Fur- 40 thermore, this clutch, when disengaged serves as an audible signal indicating'to the operator that the machine has stalled.

The invention which represents an improvement over the fruit and nut feeder disclosed in my prior application, Serial No. 654,668, filed February 1, 1933 may be more fully understood from the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings Wherein:--

Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are front view, side view and plan view respectively of my improved nut and fruit feeding and mixing machine, the driving mechanism therefor being shown somewhat diagrammatically,

Fig. 4 is a section taken on the lines 4-4 of Figs. 1 and 5, v

Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6-8 of Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 is a section taken on the-line 1-1 of Fig. 6,

Figs. 8, 9 and 10 are sections taken on the lines 8-8, 99 and ||8 respectively of Fig.4,

Figs. 11 and 12 are views of the plungers forming part of the transfer device,

Figs. 13 and 14 are sections taken on the lines |3-|3 and |4|4 respectively of Fig. 10,

Figs. 15 and 16 are sections taken on the lines ||5 and |6-l8 respectively of Fig. 4,

Figs. 17 and 18 are sections taken on the lines |1-|1 and |8-|8 of Fig. 16,

Fig. 19 is a section taken on the line |9-|8 of mg 4 Fig. 20 is an elevational view showing a pos tion of the operating means for the agitators in the pp Fig. '21 is a section taken on the line 2|--i| 'of Fig. 20, and

Figs. 22 and 23 are views showing details of the agitating fingers.

In the specific embodiment of my invention, there is provided a conical hopper l0 into v hich solids such as nuts and/or fruits or par ticles thereof are deposited for delivery to a transfer or conveyer device I I disposed directly below the discharge end of said hopper and adapted to carry the nuts and/or fruits from said hopper to a mixing chamber l2 where they are injected into a, continuously flowing stream 0! plastic semi-frozen mix such as semi-frozen ice cream. This mix may be derived from any suitable source, such for instance as a batch freezer or it may be produced in a continuous freezer of the general type disclosed and claimed in my prior Patents Nos. 1,783,864, 1,783,855, 1,783,866 and 1,783,867, issued December 2, 1930 and fiows through the mixing chamber I 2 under at least hydrostatic and usually pump pressure.

The transfer or conveyer device II is operated from a suitable source of power such as a motor l3 (Figs. 1 and 2). The driving connection between this motor l3 and the transfer device H may include a variable speed transmission H of any suitable type such as that known as the Reeves drive, the speed ratio of said transmission being controlled by an adjusting or control spindle l5 terminating at one end in a suitable operating hand-wheel |6. There may also be included in this driving connection between the motor l3 and the transfer device II, a speed reducer I'I having a vertical outlet drive shaft l8 (Fig. 4) which serves to rotate the transfer device The transfer device comprises a rotor 28 rotatable about a vertical axis and carrying rotor shaft 2| driven from the drive shaft l8. Rotor 28 has a close rotary fit in a stationary rotor casing 22 open at its upper end.

The upper end of the rotor casing 22 is closed by a header plate 23 fixed to the hopper so as to be removable therewith, and which, for that purpose, is provided with an upwardly extending circular flange 24 having its inner peripheral surface flared to conform with the outside of the hopper Hi, the latter being connected to said flange by any suitable means, ,as for instance rivets 25. The header 23 is also provided with ing chamber 2 which is formed between said about the axis of the rotor, come successively directly underneath the discharge end of. the hopper and in direct communication therewith. The plungers 28, when directly underneath the hopper ID, are in their lowest position and form cup-shaped vertical pockets 3| with the bores 21, the upper ends of the plungers serving as the bottoms-of said pockets. In this position, the pockets 3| are situated to receive the nuts and/or fruits flowing by gravity directly from the hopper l0. As the rotor 20 is rotated the filled pockets 3| pass under header plate 23 out of communication with the hopper and into communication with the mixing chamber l2.

Means are provided for moving the plungers 28 in their respective bores 21 to free the nuts and/or fruits from their respective pockets 3| into the plastic mass when said pockets are in communication with the mixing chamber -|2. Said means, in the specific form shown, includes a cam block 33 (Figs. 4, and having a central hub portion 34 encircling the rotor shaft 2|, and having a flange 35 extending radially outwardly from said hub and connected to the base of the rotor casing 22 by any suitable means, as for instance screws 36. The cam block near the outer periphery of the flange 35, is provided with a circular cam track 31 over which the plungers 28 ride. This cam track 31 is provided with a fiat low surface 38 directly below the discharge end of the hopper l0, and a flat high surface 39 directly below the mixing chamber |2. The fiat surfaces 38 and 39 are interconnected at one end thereof by an ascending ramp 4|, and at the other end by a descending ramp 42.

The lower ends of the plungers 28 are rounded in a circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the rotor as shown in Fig. 11 to facilitate the riding of these plungers over the circular cam track 31. When the plungers 28 are directly underneath the discharge end of the hopper l0, they willride on or extend close to the fiat low surface 38 so as to form the receivingpockets 3| above the plungers. As the rotor is rotated in a clockwise direction as shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, the plungers are correspondingly moved away successively from the discharge end of the hopper ID with charges of nuts and/or fruits in the pockets 3| until they reach the ramp 4|. When the plunger has reached that position, the pockets 3| will be in direct communication with the mixing chamber l2. While the plungers are riding over the ramp 4| they will be moved vertically upward to eject the nuts and/or fruits from their associated pockets and introduce them into the partially frozen ice cream mix. After the plungers 28 have reached the flat high surface 39, they will be in their uppermost'position. with their upper ends substantially flush with the upper ends of the, corresponding bores 21, and the contents of their associated pockets emptied into the mixing chamber. In this position the plungers pass out of contact with the ice cream and under the header'plate 23 which by virtue of an arrangement to be hereinafter described prevents leakage of cream between the plate and the rotor.

Positive cam means are provided for'retracting the plungers into their lowermost position after they have ridden past the high flat surface 39. For that purpose, the rotor casing 22 is provided radiall adjacent to the ramp 42 with a slot 44 (Figs. 10 to 14) into which extends a stationary cam plate 45 extending from a flange 46 bolted or otherwise fixed to the rotor casing 22. The outer portions of the plungers 28 facing the inner periphery of the rotor casing, are provided with cam grooves 41 adapted to successively coact with the cam plate 45 to move the corresponding plungers downwardly. For that purpose, the cam plate 45 presents a downwardly facing cam surface 48 inclined' downwardly in a clockwise direction with respect to the horizontal as shown in Fig. 10, the cam grooves 41 having cam surfaces 49 correspondingly located and inclined to successively engage said cam surface 48 as said plungers are moved into the field of operation of said cam plate. The cam surfaces 48 and 49, in the form shown, slope at an angle of approximately 18 with respect to the horizontal.

In order to insure the movement of the plungers 28 into cooperative relationshipwith the cam plate 45, the latters surface 50 adjacent to the high side of the cam surface 48 extends at an acute angle with said latter surface, and the edges of the plates between said surfaces are rounded ,as shown in Fig. 13. To permit the free movement of the plungers 28 past the cam plate 45, said plate has a thickness much smaller than the width of the cam grooves 41.

As the plunger moves to the left as shown in .Fig. 13 and in a clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 10, the left-hand or lower end of the cam surface 49 of its groove 41 moves into engagement with the right-hand or higher end of the cam surface 48 of the cam plate 45. As the plunger 28 continues to move, the cam surface 49 on the plunger will slide along the cam surface 48 of the cam plate 45 and cause the plunger to move downwardly until the plunger has been freed from engagement with the cam plate 45. In this position, the plunger will ride over the ,low flat surface 38 or will be very close to it.

Concerning the plunger operating cam, it is worthy of note the plunger projecting cam upon which a substantial stress is imposed acts substantially directly against the lower ends of the plungers and axially thereof while the retracting cam (which needs to exert but slight pressure) works in slots in the sides of the plungers.

The rotor 20 is so supported on the rotor shaft 2| as to facilitate mounting or demounting of the latter. For that purpose. the rotor 20 is pro-' vided with a hub 43 having a central bore 54. Extending lengthwise of the bore 54 on diametrically opposite sides of the axis thereof, are a pair of slots 55 into which extends a pin 56 welded or otherwise fitted in a diametrlcal groove 51 formed at the upper end of the rotor" shaft 2|, which is reduced at said latter end to receive a ball thrust bearing 58, the plate like races of which are of a diameter nearly equal to the diameter of the rotor.

In order to prevent the rotation of the plungers 28 about their own axes as they rotate with the rotor, the portions of the plungers facing the axis of the rotor are provided. with fiat surfaces 66 (Figs. 4 and 12) firmly engaging corresponding flat surfaces on the periphery of a guide plate 6| held between the lower end of the rotor hub 53 and the thrust bearing 58, and secured to the rotor by any suitable means, as for instance machine screws 62. By means of this arrangement, the plungers are free to reciprocate in their corresponding bores, but are prevented from'rotating about their own axes by the guide plate 6|.

A powerful coiled expansion spring 200 encircling hub 34 and reacting against the flat portion of cam plate 33 engages the lower race plate of the ball thrust bearing 58 and forces the flat top of the rotor firmly against the flat under face of plate 23, thus effectively sealing all of the pockets as they pass out of registration with the hopper bottom and with the mixing chamber. Due to this arrangement no ice cream from the stream flowing under pressure through chamber |2 can escape around the rotor. The spring 200 compensates for wear'or machining inaccuracies between the fiat-top of the rotor and the flat under face of plate 23.

If desired, the stream of plastic semi-frozen material which is introduced into the inlet 26 is divided into two streams, one of which passes into the mixing chamber I2 and in contact with the nuts and/or fruits being ejected from thev pockets 3|, the other stream by passing the mixing chamber and forming an annulus or casing for the mixture emerging from the mixing chamber l2. For that purpose, the header 23 is vformed with a pair of passageways or ducts 63 and 64 (Figs. 5, 6) diverging from the mix inlet 26. The duct 63 leads into the inlet end of the mixing chamber l2 directly above the path of travel of the plungers 28, while the duct 64 leads into thetop of the tubular extension 65 formed in the header 23. f

Extending into the tubular extension 65 is a nozzle 66 open at both ends and having its inner or inlet end communicating with the outlet end of the mixing chamber |2 which is flared at said the outlet end of the extension 65 so that its outlet end will be eccentric with respect tothe outlet end of said extension. I have found that by means of this arrangement, the nuts or fruits are directed toward the top of the flowing stream of plastic mix and any tendency of, these particles or pieces to settle toward the bottom of the partially frozen material completes the uniform distribution of them throughout the mass. .It is worthy 'of note that no mechanical agitation is resorted to in order to obtain uniform distribution of the fruits and nuts through the mix.

The mixing chamber l2 has a main portion 69 extending in a direction coincident with the circular path of' movement of the plungers 28 and sufficiently long so that two adjacent pockets 3| can fully communicate with it at the same time. The ascending ramp 4| is placed directly underneath this portion 69 of the mixing chamber I2 and extends an angular distance along the circular cam track 31 equal to the angular distance between adjacent bores 21. In the specific form shown, this angular distance is 60.

With a plunger 28 at the base of the ascending ramp 4|, its corresponding pocket 3| will be in full communication with the mixing chamber I2 near its outlet end. As this plunger 28 rides over the ascending ramp 4| it will, substantially follow the direction of flow of the plastic mix in the main portion 69 of the mixing chamber 2 and will simultaneously move upwardly to discharge the fruits and/or nuts from its corresponding pocket into said chamber. When the plungers reach the top of the ascending ramp 4|, it will be in its uppermost position with its top flush with the top of its corresponding bore 21 and its corresponding charge of nuts and/or fruits entirely ejected into the mixing chamber. In this cyclic position, the preceding plunger will be at the base of the ramp 4| ready to start its ejecting ope-ration, so that nuts and/or fruits are continuously being discharged into the mixing chamber I2. I

The speed of rotation of the rotor 28 is preferably regulated sothat the plungers will travel circumferentially at a speed equal to substantially twice the average speed of flow of the plastic mix through the main portion 68 of the mixing chamber l2, so that the nuts and/or fruits are distributed substantially uniformly lengthwise of the plastic stream. a

In order further to insure uniform distribution of the nuts and/or fruits throughout the plastic.

mass, there is provided a dispersion plate 1| extending substantially lengthwise of the main portion 89 of the mixing chamber and curved to substantially follow the circular path of movement of the axes of the plungers", For supporting the plate H in position, the upper edge thereof is advantageously provided with transversely extending fastening lugs 12 bolted or screwed to the header 23. The plastic material advancing into the chamber |2 will be split into two sections by the dispersion plate 1|, while the nuts and/or fruits are forced upwardly into these sections. The dispersion plate II is advantageously formed with a knife edge 14 at the bottom and a knife edge 15 at the end thereof nearest to the inlet end of the mixing chamber |2 so as to facilitate the parting of the plastic, material into two sections and to facilitate the parting of the nuts and/or fruits into corresponding sectain amount of mixing takes place in this region.

and the'nuts and/or fruits will be more uniformly,dispersed throughout the plastic mass. By using a stationary dispersion plate and lifting tube instead of mechanically operated agitating means, the nuts and/or. fruits, as well as the mix, are handled as gently as possible while effecting the necessary intermixture.

As another feature of the present invention, new and improved means are provided for stirring the solid material in the hopper ID to prevent arching over or jamming of said material across thedischarge end of the hopper. Said means, in the specific form shown, includes a pair of rods 16 extending into the interior of the hopper at diametricmly opposite sides of the axis thereof, and extending close to the wall of struction, the mass of solids in the hopper I8 is gently stirred at or near the region where the greatest tendency to arch over or jam is present, without materially agitating, compressing or crushing the solids.

Means are provided for reciprocating the rods 16 continuously and in alternate directions in synchronism with the operation of the rotor20. In the specific form shown, said means includes a conical cam member 19 driven about a vertical axis from the drive shaft l8 and cooperating with a pair of cam followers 88 connected respectively to the rods 16. The cam followers include rods 8| carrying at their lower ends freely rotatable rollers 82 extending in a cam groove 83 formed on the outer periphery of the cam member 18. The peripheral surface of the cam member 19 has a taper similar to that of the hopper l0 so that 25 ber 19 rotates. This movement of the cam rollers 82 is imparted to the cam followers and in turn to the rods 16 to give them-a correspondfng reciprocable movement.

The lower portions of the follower rods 8| are inclined parallel to the wall of the hopper, and are guided for reciprocable movement in cross heads 85 each of which is formed by a substantially U-shaped member 88'bolted to a backing plate 81 and defining therewith a guide groove 88 having a rectangular cross-section, the lower portions of the rods 8| having corresponding cross-sections. The upper portions of the follower rods 8| are substantially vertical as shown,

and are connected respectively to the upper ends of the rods 16 in a manner hereinafter referred The two cam rollers 82 are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the axis of the cam member 18. The cam groove 83 is sinuous and so designed that its highest or peak portions A (Fig; 19) determining the upper ends of the follower strokes, are disposed diametrically opposite to its lowest or base portions B determining the lower ends of said strokes. Three peak portions A are shown spaced apart, and three base portions -B similarly spaced and disposed midway between adjacent peak portions, so that each cam roller will make three complete strokes during each revolution of the cam member 18.. The cam rollers always travel in opposite directions'so that when one roller has reached the lower end of its downward stroke, the other roller has reached the upper endof its upward stroke.

The rods 8| are connected to the rods I8 in such a manner as to facilitate the mounting or de-,

hole 92 into which said shank 9| extends. The rod is twisted at a suitablesection C so that the hole 92 will extend radially of the hopper III.

In order to retain the shank 9| in the hole 82, there is provided a spring plate 93 secured at its Each rod 8| at its upper end is provided with a centrally disposed lower end to the rod 8| by any suitable means, as for instance screws 94, and having riveted or otherwise secured to the upper end thereof a locking pin adapted to extend into a hole 96 in said rod communicating with the hole 92. The

shank 9| is provided with a hole into which the locking pin 95 is adapted to fit so as to prevent the withdrawal of the rod 10 from the follower rod 8|. In order to insure against the accidental withdrawal or separation of the rod 16 from the follower rod 8|, a set screw 98 may be provided, which extends lengthwise of the latter rod from its upper end, and which impinges on the shank 9|. The spring plate 93 has its outer end extending beyond the upper end of the follower rod 8| so that it may be manually grasped and pulled to withdraw its locking pin from engagement with the push rod.

As another feature of the present invention, the connection between the drive shaft I8 and the front agitating and transfer mechanisms is such as to automatically disconnect these mechanisms from said drive shaft when said mechanisms become jammed. For that purpose, the driving shaft I8 has connected to the upper end thereof a spring clutch-(Figs. 4, 16 and 17) including an inner clutch member I00 having a bore IOI for receiving the upper end of the shaft I8, and for keying said inner clutch member to said shaft. The inner end of the bore IOI forms a shoulder I02 'which seats upon the upper end of the shaft I8, so that the clutch member I00 is supported on said shaft against axial movement. The upper end of the inner clutch member I00 is embraced by the peripheral wall of a cup-shaped clutch member I03 and is reduced to form an annular shoulder I04 for seating the lower end of the clutch member I03.

The outer clutch member I03 drives not only the cam member 19 but also drives the rotor shaft 2I. For that purpose, the outer clutch member I03 is keyed to a stub shaft I06 by any suitable means, as-for instance a taper pin I05 passing through said stub shaft I06 and the upper end wall of said clutch member. The clutch member I03 is provided with hub portions I01 and..l08, the latter having a pair of diametrically oppositely disposed keyways I I0 extending lengthwise thereof. The other hub portion I01 embraces the outside of the outer clutch'member I03. The upper end of the stub shaft I06 and the lower end of the rotor shaft 2I extend into the hub portion I08, and are each provided with a diametrically extending slot III having a key II2 which is welded or otherwise secured therein, and which has its ends extending into the keyways IIO. These ends of the shafts 2I and I06 are separated by a suitable plate I I3.

The clutch is automatically operable to disconnect the rotor shaft 2I and the cam member 19 from the drive shaft I8 when the load thereon reaches a predetermined amount. For that purpose the inner clutch member I00 is provided in its upper'portion with a diametrically extending slot for receiving a pair of clutch spring housings I I5 movable towards and away from each other, and forming one or more pairs of alined cylindrical chambers 611. In each pair of alined chambers is a clutch spring II1 normally operating to spread the two spring housings I I5 away from each other and towards the peripheral wall of the outer clutch member I03. One of the clutch spring housings H5 is provided with a finger I I6 extending lengthwise thereof and adapted to fit into a groove 1 formed in the'inner periphery of the outer clutch member I03. As long as the resistance of the agitating and transfer mechanisms does not exceed a certain amount, the clutch springs I I1 have sufficient strength to hold the inner and outer clutch members in interlocked position with the finger H6 in the groove II1 of the outer clutch member. As soon as the load on these mechanisms exceeds a predetermined amount, the finger II6 will slip from its holding groove H1 and cause the rotation of the inner clutch member I00 without rotating the outer clutch member I03. Each time the finger I It moves into registry with the groove II1, said finger will snap therein and cause intermittent clicking, so that the operator will known that the machine is jammed.

As a feature of the present invention, the entire machine is portable and so constructed that it may be easily disassembled and cleaned. Furthermore, the cam member 19 and the driving mechanism are so located as to assure against contamination thereof by the material being operated upon. For that purpose, the driving mechanism including the motor I3, the variable speed transmission I4, and the speed reducer I1, are enclosed in a housing I20 and supported on a plate I2I extending horizontally therein, The housing I20 is supported on casters II9 soas to render it portable. The operating handle I6 for the variable speed transmission I4 extends outside of the housing to render it more easily accessible for operation.

The cam member 19 is also enclosed in the housing I20 and is disposed directly below the cover plate I22 of said housing. The rotor shaft 2I passes through an opening in saidcover plate, a sealing flange I23 being provided which is bolted to said cover plate, and which has acircular flange I24 closely embracing the rotor shaft 2I to prevent any of the material being operated upon from dropping into the housing through said opening.

The transfer member is supported upon and fixed to the cover plate I22. For that purpose, the rotor casing 22 is provided with a plurality of depending legs I25, three of such legs being shown spaced apart. In order to clamp the casing 22 in position, the header 23 is provided with a plurality of radially outwardly extending lugs I26, three ofsuch lugs being shown spaced 120 apart. Passing through the lugs I26 and the legs I25 are fastening members I21, which, in the form shown,-include tie studs I28, the lower ends 'of which are screwed into nuts I30 welded or otherwise fixed to the underside of the cover plate I22, the upper ends being engaged by wing nuts I3I.

The header 23 fits tightly against the upper portion of the casing 22 so that the fastening members I21 serve not only to clamp the casing moved without the necessity of any manipulation in the interior of the housing I20.

The cross heads 85 are also fixed to the cover plate I22. For that purpose, each U-shaped member 86 has a flange I32 secured to the cover side of the cover plate I22.

The cover plate I22 is provided .with openings I35 to permit the passage therethrough of the follower rods 8|, and also to permit the lower portion of the backing plate 8l'to extend into the interior of the housing I20.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire'to secure by Letters Patent is:- 1. In combination, a receptacle for receiving edible solids, a chamber adapted to serve as part of a confining passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen edible plastic material, a substantially vertical pocket communicating directly with the outlet end of said receptacle to receive a predetermined charge of solids by gravity from said receptacle, means for moving the filled pocket away from filling position and into discharging position with respect to said chamber, and means carried in said pocket for forcing said solids from said pocket into said chamber.

2. A machine of the class described including a vertically disposed, horizontally movable, charge receiving pocket, a confining duct for a flowing stream of plastic edible material, means for moving said pocket horizontally from fillingposition where it is out of communication with said duct, into a discharging position in communication with said duct.

3. In .a machine of the class described, a hopper adapted to receive edible solids, a pocket disposed directly underneath said hopper and positioned so that the solids are fed directly into 'rsaid pocket by gravity from said hopper, a chamber adapted to serve as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of edible plastic material, and positive displacement means for moving said pocket from its filling position into discharging position with respect to said chamber,,

and for injecting said solids into said chamber.

4. In a machine of the class described, a hopper, a rotor having a charge receiving pocket spaced from its axis, said rotor being disposed directly underneath said hopper and so positioned that said pocket moves across the outlet end of said hopper and in direct communication therewith as said rotor is rotated, a plunger in said pocket, a mixing chamber in thepath of travel of said pocket and adapted to define a part of a predetermined flow path for a plastic material, and means for sliding said plunger in its pocket as the rotor rotates, to receive a charge of solids from said hopper when traveling across the outlet end of said hopper, and to discharge the contents of said pocket into saidchamber when said pocket is in registry with said mixing chamber.

5. A machine of the class described including a conduit for receiving a horizontally flowing plastic mass, means for injecting solid edible material into the lower portion of said stream and stationary means for directing said solid material upwardly into the stream.

6. In combination, a conical hopper adapted to receive solid edible material, and means for means for reciprocating said rods continuously and in opposite directions.

7. In combination, a hopper adapted to receive solid edible material, a chamber serving as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of plastic material, positive displacement means for transferring successive batches of solid material from said hopper to said chamber, and for forcing them into said chamber, and means for preventing the arching over or jamming of the solid material across said hopper, and including an agitator disposed adjacent the outlet of said hopper and means for actuating said agitator lengthwise of said hopper in synchronis m with the operation of said positive displacement means.

8. A machine of the class described, including a filling station for edible solid materials, a rotor defining a pocket for gravitationally receiving a charge of solids from said fllling station, a sta- H tionary casing surrounding said rotor, aheader plate for said casing and having a portion thereof defining witl. one end of said rotor a chamber in the path of movement of said pocket, and serving as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of plastic edible material, and means for ejecting said charge from said pocket when the latter is moved into communication with said chamber.

9. A machine of the class described including a drive, a pair of chambers, one of which is adapted to contain edible solids, and the other of which is adapted to serve as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream in a plastic condition, a rotary transfer mechanism for removing separate measured quantities of the solids in succession from one which is adapted to serve as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream in a plastic condition, a rotary transfer mechanism for removing separate measured quantities of the solids from one chamber and forcing them into the other, and a drive connection between said drive and said transfer mechanism, andincluding aclutch automatically operable to break said connection when the load on said transfer mechanism reaches a predetermined amount, and to reestablish said connection when the load has fallen below a predetermined amount.

11. In a machine of the class described, a hopper, a rotor having a charge receiving pocket spaced from its axis, said rotor being disposed directly underneath said hopper and so positioned that said pocket moves across the outlet end of said hopper and in direct communication therewith as said rotor is rotated, a plunger in said pocket, a mixing chamber in the path of travel of said pocket and adapted to define a part of a predetermined flow path for a plastic material,

and means for sliding said plunger in its pocket,

as the rotor rotates, to receive a charge from said hopper when traveling across the outlet end of said hopper, and to discharge the contents of said pocket into said chamber when said pocket is in registry with said mixing chamber, and a member coacting with an end surface of the rotor to seal the. mouth of the pocket as it passes from registration with the hopper and as it passes out of registration with the mixing chamber.

12. In a machine of the class described, a hopper, a rotor having a pocket spaced from its axis, said rotor being disposed directly underneath said hopper and so positioned that said pocket moves across the outlet end of said hopper and in direct communication therewith as said rotor is rotated, a plunger in said pocket, a mixing chamber in the path of travel of said pocket and adapted to define a part of a predetermined flow path for a plastic material, and means for sliding said plunger in itspocket as the rotor rotates, to receive a charge directly from said hopper when traveling across the outlet end of said hopper, and to discharge the contents of said pocket into said chamber when said pocket is in registry with said mixing chamber, a member coacting with one end of the rotor to seal the mouth of the pocket as it passes from registration with the hopper and as it passes out of registration with the mixing chamber and spring means urging the rotor endwise against said member to tightly seal the pockets when said pocketsare out of .charging or discharging position.

13. A machine of the class described including a hopper adapted to contain edible solids, a chamber forming part of a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream, and a transfer mechanism including a rotor having alongitudinal bore 'therein spaced from the axis of said rotor and adapted to communicate with said hopper and said chamber alternately, a plunger working in said bore, cam means for cyclically retracting said plunger to define a receiving pocket at one end thereof while the bore is in communication with said hopper, and cam means for cyclically sliding the plunger to positively discharge the contents of said pocket into said chamber when said bore is in registry with said chamber.

14. A machine of the'class described including a hopper adapted to contain edible solids, a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream, said passageway'having an inlet section, an outlet section and two intermediate sections connected in parallel, and means for removing separate measured portions of solids from said hopper and .delivering them to one of said intermediate sections.

-15. A machine of the class described including a hopper adapted to contain edible solids, a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream, said passageway having an inlet section, an outlet section and two intermediate sections connected in parallel, and means for removing separate measured portions of solids from said hopper and delivering them to one of said intermediate sections, the latter terminating within and encircled by the other intermediate section at the point of union of said intermediate sections. a

16. A machine of the class described including a hopper adapted to contain edible solids, a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of partially frozen ice cream, said passageway having an inlet section, an outlet section and two intermediate sections connected in parallel, means for removing separate measured portions of solids from said hopper and delivering them to one of said intermediate sections, and means at the end of said last mentioned section for guiding the portion of the stream immerging therefrom centrally into the portion of the streamimmerging from the other intermediate section.

1'7. An apparatus of the class described, including a conduit, a pipe open at both ends, extending lengthwise within said conduit, sealed to said conduit at the inlet end of said pipe, and tilted towards the upper side of said conduit and extending upwardly towards the discharge end of said conduit, to bring the discharge end of said pipe nearer to the upper side than to the lower side of said conduit outlet, said conduit having an inlet on 'one side thereof intermediate of the ends of said pipe for a stream of plastic material, and means for delivering edible solids through said pipe.

18. An apparatus of the class described, including a hopper adapted to contain edible solids, a chamber serving as a passageway for a continuously flowing stream of plastic material under pressure, a rotor having one or more pockets spaced from its axis, said rotor being rotatable in a position to carry edibles from filling position with respect to said hopper to discharging position with respect to said chamber, a member coacting with one end of the rotor to seal the mouths of the pockets as they pass from filling position to discharging position with respect to said chamber, and spring means urging the rotor endwise against said member to tightly seal the mouths of the pockets when said pockets are out of charging or discharging position.

'19. An apparatus for delivering edible solids into ice cream under pressure, including a rotor having a pocket spaced from the axis thereof,

- movable in a circular path, and adapted to receive a charge of the edible solids along one part of its path of movement, a conduit for continuously transporting partially frozen plastic ice cream under pressure and having one wall thereof along a substantial portion of said conduit formed by a surface of said rotor, said portion of said conduit extending in a direction substan- 

